'Smart' glove to convert sign language into text and words

A smart glove that features sensors to convert hand and finger movements into text and spoken dialogue is being developed by a university student in London.

The SignLanguageGlove is being developed by designer and student at Goldsmiths, University of London, Hadeel Ayoub.

The first experimental version of the glove was equipped with five flex sensors to monitor the bends and curves of each finger and an accelerometer to detect the orientation of the glove. It took signs and turned them into visual letters on a screen.

Ayoub then followed up with an improved model that was faster and more robust, featuring smaller, more discreet hardware and text that scrolled on a screen.

The latest model features a text-to-speech chip with the hardware sewn into the lining of the glove, 'Gizmag' reported.

Ayoub is now integrating a language translation function into the system. An Arabic, French and English speaker herself, Ayoub is looking to add Wi-Fi to the glove so that its motion can be relayed wirelessly to smartphones or tablets, where an app would handle the translation.

She also plans to add a motion sensor for better mapping and develop a smaller version for children.

Several companies have approached Ayoub with a view to mass produce the SignLanguageGlove, which would have an estimated cost of around 255 pounds.